Natasha Johnston (left) has been described as ‘bubbly and so caring’
(Picture: Facebook)A London dog walker who was mauled to death in Surrey has been pictured for the first time as friends paid tribute to her as “beautiful and bubbly”.
Natasha Johnston, 28, was walking alongside a number of dogs when she was attacked at Gravelly Hill in Caterham on January 12.
She was pronounced dead at the scene and a coroner’s court was told that she died from “multiple penetrating dog bites to the neck”.
A friend of Ms Johnston from her childhood home of Ryde on the Isle of Wight, Jo Butchers, told the Mail on Sunday: “Long countryside walks with the dogs were her thing.
“She did a lot of dog walking here, not as a professional but with her own dogs and those of friends.
“‘Then she moved away and that became her job in London. She grew up with dogs, so she always loved them.”
A childhood friend, who is a mum of one, added: “We’re absolutely devastated. She was so caring, a beautiful girl inside and out.
“She was always bubbly when she used to come to meet my girl. They used to go out together and enjoy their lives as young teenagers.
“She’s going to be sorely missed. I know there will be a lot of people going up to her funeral.”
Before moving to Croydon, Ms Johnston lived in Ryde with her brother and two dogs.
While finishing college Ms Johnston worked part-time as a carer, which became a full-time job until she left the Isle of Wight around 2017, which involved visiting elderly and vulnerable people at home.
It is not known how many dogs the 28-year-old was walking at the time of the attack.
Eight dogs were seized by the police, none of which were banned breeds. Two dachshunds and a Leonberger called Shiva were among them and they remain in kennels for forensic tests.
Nobody will be prosecuted over the dog attack.
Detective Inspector Josephine Horner, of Surrey Police, previously said: “This is a tragic incident in which a young woman lost her life.
“I know it has caused real concern locally and I thank the community for bearing with us whilst we conducted our inquiries.
“The criminal investigation has now concluded and the information we have gathered will be passed to the Surrey Coroner to assist in the coronial process.”
An inquest into Ms Johnston’s death is scheduled to take place on June 29.
